Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS)Across Psychiatric and Neurocognitive Conditions: Evidence and Future Direction

Document Type : qualitative and quantitative studies

Authors

1 Counseling Department, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.

2 Counseling Department, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

3 Clinical Psychology Department, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran

10.22098/jpc.2026.18502.1352

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a promising neuromodulation approach for psychiatric and neurocognitive disorders, though therapeutic effects vary significantly across conditions and symptom domains. Aim: This narrative review synthesizes recent evidence on the clinical potential of tDCS, focusing on efficacy, limitations, and underlying neurobiological mechanisms. Method: This review synthesizes recent randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses concerning the therapeutic applications of tDCS across major psychiatric and neurocognitive conditions. Findings: Evidence supports tDCS as a safe, well-tolerated adjunctive therapy. Benefits are most consistent in reducing depressive symptoms, improving cognitive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia, decreasing cravings, and enhancing sleep quality. Conversely, effects remain inconsistent in obsessive-compulsive disorder and positive psychotic symptoms, likely reflecting variability in stimulation parameters and individual neurobiological profiles rather than a lack of efficacy. Conclusion: Future clinical utility depends on transitioning to precision neuromodulation. Strengthening tDCS in psychiatric care requires improved methodological rigor, protocol optimization, and integration with computational modeling and biomarker-guided approaches.

Keywords

Preventive Counseling
Volume 7, Issue 3
September 2026

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